Extracts from Speech by Gerry Adams, then President of Sinn Féin, to an Easter Commemoration, Dublin, (23 March 2008)

“I want to call on all of those parties who
espouse the cause of Irish re-unification, to set aside our political
differences and to find common cause, around an agreed programme, to achieve
the historic goal of reunification and independence, and to win unionist
support for this.”

“We are living in a time of hope and opportunity for republican ideals and
objectives. Irish re-unification is no longer a far off dream but a
work in progress. And that work must intensify now and in the time
ahead. Republicans must re-popularise the ideals of 1916.”

“Today, standing outside of the Dublin GPO, at the spot where the
Proclamation was read and the spark was lit that brought an end to the
British Empire, I call on all of those parties who espouse the cause of
Irish re-unification, to set aside our political differences and to find
common cause, around an agreed programme, to achieve the historic goal of
reunification and independence, and to win unionist support for this.”

“We need to especially engage with unionism about the benefits of unity and
how we build a shared future based on respect for all traditions. We
need to secure the practical backing of the Irish Diaspora that has been so
important in the peace process. That support is there for the asking.”

“The commitment from Sinn Féin is very clear cut. We will continue to press
ahead in the battle of ideas, building support for Irish unity and
identifying the practical preparations that are needed. We are about
finishing the work of the 1916 Rising.”

“There is no doubt that Ireland’s place is in Europe, but that does not mean
that we have to accept everything coming from the EU regardless of the
consequences.”

“The Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Ireland. The Lisbon Treaty should be
rejected. Ireland deserves better. EU leaders should be sent back to the
drawing board and the three parties in government should be instructed to
get a better deal for Ireland. Government Ministers should stop hiding, stop
spinning, and come out and debate the facts. And the date for the referendum
should be set – Now Bertie.”

ENDS

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